The University of British Columbia

Core Area(s): Clinical

Biographical Sketch & Research Interests
My research has focused on anxiety disorders, with a particular focus on the role of cognitive factors. The overall goal of the research is to better understand anxiety and associated problems in order to improve the outcomes of prevention and treatment programs. Research in my lab has recently begun to examine compulsive hoarding, which is an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder. We are particularly interested in problems encountered by lower income people who have problems with hoarding.

Courses Taught
PSYC 300A Behavioural Disorders
PSYC 349/449 Honours Seminar
PSYC 534 Clinical Practicum
PSYC 560 Clinical Research Design

Representative Publications
Woody, S.R., Whittal, M.L., & McLean, P.D. (2011). Mechanisms of symptom reduction in treatment for obsessions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79, 653-664. doi: 10.1037/a0024827

Dorfan, N.M., & Woody, S.R. (2011). Danger appraisals as prospective predictors of disgust and avoidance of contaminants. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 30, 105-132.

Whittal, M.L., Woody, S.R., McLean, P.D., Rachman, S.J., & Robichaud, M. (2010). Treatment of obsessions: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48, 295-303. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2009.11.010

Corcoran, K.M., & Woody, S.R. (2009). Effects of suppression and appraisals on thought frequency and distress. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47, 1024-1031.

Nosen, E., & Woody, S.R. (2009). Applying lessons learned from obsessions: Metacognitive processes in smoking cessation. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 33, 241-254.